Ottawa, ON – The federal budget to be tabled today may contain important spending initiatives on environmental priorities, including increasing green infrastructure, protecting freshwater, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and moving forward with the pan-Canadian climate framework to tackle climate change.

Environmental Defence spokespeople are available today to comment on federal budget 2017.

Last year’s budget contained investments in public transit, infrastructure projects such as electric vehicle charging stations, clean energy research and development, as well as the creation of a Low Carbon Economy Fund.

This year’s budget will indicate if Canada is committed to meeting its climate obligations, including increasing investment in clean energy and reducing support for fossil fuels. It will show if Canada will continue the necessary funding to protect freshwater, and address increasingly frequent and severe algal blooms in Lake Erie.

About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (www.environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all.